Browns training camp Day 11: Joe Thomas is tougher than you

Nov 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Suspended NFL running back Ray Rice (left) arrives with his wife, Janay Rice for his appeal hearing on his indefinite suspension from the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY

With Terrance West and Duke Johnson, among others, still working their way though injuries, and Isaiah Crowell not taking hold of the top running back spot in their absence, it is only natural, we suppose for people to assume the Browns “must do something” about the running back position.

Which is probably why SI.com felt the need to ask Pettine about the possibility of the Browns bringing in Ray Rice for a look. Pettine and running back coach Wilbert Montgomery are familiar with Rice from their time together in Baltimore, but Pettine sees no need to make a move.

“We’ve talked about it, but I don’t think we’re there at this point,” Pettine said. “I don’t think it’s gotten to that point, to say, ‘Hey, I’d kind of be comfortable with it.’ But I think it would get to that point if we arrived at it from a football standpoint, then asked that question. Instead of working the process backwards. Why bother with asking the question if the need never presents itself?”

Related: Who will take charge of the running back position?

There are two major reasons that the Browns don’t need to concern themselves with Rice.

Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer are building a culture around the team that doesn’t have room for someone who knocked out his then-fiancee in a hotel elevator.

Second, as SI pointed out, Rice isn’t any good. The last time he played, in 2013, he averaged just 3.1 yards per carry and totaled just 660 rushing yards, the worst totals of his career. Their are other NFL teams that actually need a running back and have no interest in Rice, so why should the Browns waste their time on him?

The answer is that they don’t, which is why Pettine is comfortable riding with what he currently has in the backfield.

“As we stress to our guys all the time, mental toughness, dealing with adversity,” Pettine told the team’s website. “A guy goes down in your position group, you’ve got to take more reps, that’s adversity you have to deal with. How are you going to handle it?

“The message has been consistent and we’re looking for one of those guys to step up,” Pettine said. “That’s one of the strengths of our team. you want everyone to think and act and prepare like you’re the No. 1 guy. I think you can be special when you take that mentality. Don’t put yourself in a role. Go ahead and assume all of it.”

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